How Long Do Knee Injections Last?

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care at San Antonio Orthopædic Specialists, especially when arthritis or inflammation begins affecting daily movement. For many, knee injections offer meaningful relief without surgery, but a common question we hear is: “How long do knee injections last?”

In this video, Dr. Brandon Couch breaks down the real timelines for the most common knee injections and explains what patients can expect from each treatment.

How Long Do Knee Injections Typically Last?

Different injections work in different ways, and their results last varying lengths of time. Dr. Couch explains each option clearly:

Corticosteroid Injections

3–12 Weeks of Relief

Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation inside the knee joint. Relief usually begins within just a few days and lasts 3 to 12 weeks, depending on:

• Severity of arthritis

• Level of inflammation

• Overall joint condition

These injections are often recommended to help calm painful flare-ups or provide short-term relief.

Hyaluronic Acid (Visco Supplementation)

6–12 Months of Relief

Hyaluronic acid — often called a “gel” injection — helps lubricate the knee joint, improving comfort and mobility.

Relief builds gradually but can last 6 to 12 months for many patients.
This is one of the most popular options for individuals with knee osteoarthritis who want to stay active while delaying surgery.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

3–6 Months of Relief

PRP uses growth factors from your own blood to support the body’s natural healing response.

Relief from PRP injections typically lasts 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer, depending on the degree of arthritis and how your body responds.

PRP is often chosen by patients wanting a more biological, regenerative approach.

Important to Know: Injections Don’t Reverse Joint Damage

Dr. Couch emphasizes a crucial point:

Knee injections can reduce pain and improve mobility, but they don’t repair existing arthritis or structural damage.

Their purpose is to:

• Reduce inflammation

• Improve joint lubrication

• Support mobility

• Delay or avoid joint replacement when possible

For many patients, these injections provide enough relief to stay active, resume daily activities, and feel more comfortable for months at a time

What Affects How Long Knee Injections Last?

Each patient responds differently. The duration of relief depends on several factors:

• Severity of osteoarthritis

• Type of injection used

• Activity level

• Body’s inflammatory response

• Consistency with follow-up care

Discussing your symptoms with an orthopaedic specialist will help determine which treatment offers the best chance of long-lasting relief.

Why Knee Injections Are a Valuable Non-Surgical Option

Knee injections are ideal for people who:

• Aren’t ready for knee replacement

• Want to stay active while managing arthritis

• Experience stiffness or swelling with activity or weather changes

• Prefer minimally invasive treatment with little downtime

In many cases, injections help patients delay surgery, sometimes for years.

The JHS 3-Step Care Process

At Joint Health Specialists (JHS), we use a simple, patient-centered model to ensure every individual gets the most effective, personalized treatment:

1. Wellness Exam

Your provider evaluates your symptoms, medical history, and imaging to understand the cause of your knee pain.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

Dr. Couch or a JHS provider reviews your options and recommends the right injection based on your joint condition and goals.

3. Pain Relief & Follow-Up

Your injection is performed in-office, and our team monitors your progress and adjusts your care plan as needed to support long-term relief.

This approach ensures precise care, clear expectations, and consistent support.

Explore Non-Surgical Relief for Knee Pain

If knee pain is affecting your daily life, knee injections may be an effective next step, and Dr. Brandon Couch is now accepting patients at San Antonio Orthopædic Specialists.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Couch or the Joint Health Specialists team today to explore personalized, non-surgical options for knee pain.